Episode Summary
Wang Simu attempts to reconcile with the Xu family, while Xu Xinnian contemplates suicide after a humiliating day. A misunderstanding involving a stone leads to Xu Xinnian realizing Wang Simu's affection. Meanwhile, Wei Yuan manipulates a corruption investigation, using Xu Qi'an and Xu Xinnian to deliver incriminating documents to Wang Zhenwen. Wang Zhenwen, understanding Wei Yuan's true motives, realizes he misjudged him.
Spoiler Alert
Wang Simu, clearly trying to make amends, visits the Xu household bearing gifts. She presents Xu Xinnian's mother with expensive cosmetics and, noticing the eldest sister's lukewarm reaction, quickly offers up two popular romance novels. The eldest sister, a huge fan of this genre, is thrilled, immediately warming up to Wang Simu.
With the family seemingly appeased, Wang Simu reveals her true intentions. She expresses concern that her actions may have negatively impacted Xu Xinnian. Xu Xinnian's father, Xu Pingzhi, quickly assures her that his son is understanding and wouldn't hold a grudge. He then leads Wang Simu to see Xu Xinnian, who, unbeknownst to them, is in the midst of a dramatic (and somewhat comical) suicide attempt. He's so mortified by the day's events, particularly offending the powerful official Wang Zhenwen (Wang Simu's father), that he sees no other way out.
Xu Pingzhi, upon opening the door and seeing his son's attempted hanging, quickly shuts it, with his nephew Xu Qi'an desperately trying to hold Xu Xinnian up. Xu Xinnian's mother also opens and shuts the door, making the excuse that he is busy studying. Wang Simu is skeptical, but the situation takes another turn when she finally opens the door to find Xu Xinnian calmly studying, with his cousin grinding ink. It turns out Xu Qi'an had signaled to his aunt and uncle, showing them the rope, cluing them into the situation. The parents, now in on the act, distract Wang Simu by suggesting a tour of the estate. Wang Simu, still worried about Xu Xinnian, leaves a stone behind, a gesture he later explains to Xu Qi'an as symbolizing her "steadfast and unbreakable heart." This declaration relieves Xu Xinnian, who realizes Wang Simu cares for him.
Meanwhile, the Emperor has tasked Wang Zhenwen with cleaning up corruption within the Ministry of Personnel. Wei Yuan, recognizing an opportunity to eliminate his own enemies, has already started investigating personnel files, secretly removing records of those with serious offenses.
To get these incriminating documents into Wang Zhenwen's hands, Wei Yuan enlists Xu Qi'an. The plan is for Xu Qi'an to use the situation with Xu Xinnian to gain Wang Zhenwen's favor. However, Xu Qi'an has a better idea: he gives the documents to Xu Xinnian, allowing his cousin to deliver them directly. This unexpected move would likely impress Wang Zhenwen even more.
That night, Wang Zhenwen's residence is ablaze with light. He's under immense pressure from the Emperor to uncover corruption, facing potential dismissal if he fails. Just as he's at his wit's end, Wang Simu delivers the secret documents. Wang Zhenwen is saved, and although his daughter credits Xu Xinnian, he knows Wei Yuan is the true mastermind.
The Emperor rewards Wang Zhenwen and rejects his resignation. After court, Wang Zhenwen meets with Wei Yuan. Wei Yuan takes him on a tour, showing him the inflated price of grain and engaging in casual conversation. He then reveals his plan to personally lead an army against the Wu tribe, requesting Wang Zhenwen to protect the Emperor and maintain stability in the court. Wang Zhenwen finally understands Wei Yuan's true character: a man whose ambitions extend beyond political squabbles, whose heart lies with the well-being of the entire nation. He realizes he had misjudged Wei Yuan all along.
